The Popularity Of Gaming Industry In Malaysia

Not long ago, gaming was considered a time-wasting activity to which teenagers were mostly addicted. However, times have changed rapidly, and nowadays, gaming is one of the fastest-growing industries. Globally, gaming is a billion-dollar industry due to its massive fanbase, increased media attention, and numerous professional gamers.

Although the United States, China, and South Korea are the industry leaders, gaming enjoys huge popularity in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it is not strange that gaming is quite a prosperous industry in Malaysia, and this country is becoming the industry’s hotspot in this part of the world. In this article, we will analyze why gaming is so popular in Malaysia.

Gaming is more accessible than ever

Technological improvements have catalyzed the gaming industry’s growth, and it won’t stop here. Many of you remember the time when you could enjoy playing your favorite games only on consoles. Nevertheless, many tech advancements have reshaped the gaming industry, while smartphones opened another dimension. Malaysians are tech-savvy people, especially the young generations.

Nowadays, many people interested in tech and gaming have smartphones as well. Therefore, you can play any type of game on the go and even try out your luck in online casinos. If you search for the best slot casinos in Malaysia, you can find them listed in this guide. Thanks to an increased interest in gaming, the gambling industry has also enjoyed steep growth.

Nowadays, young people spend a lot of time online and on their mobile devices. That’s why it is not strange that Malaysians prefer to play their favorite games on their smartphones. Reports say that 75% of Malaysian gamers use mobile phones as the main platform for playing games, although consoles and PCs are still popular.

The major reason that contributes to smartphones’ popularity in the gaming industry is their powerful tech characteristics. Also, mobile phones are more affordable than ever. Thanks to fast processors and superb graphics, smartphones can support games with high technical requirements.

Consequently, players don’t need to plan their time at home and in front of their consoles or PCs to enjoy some gaming action.

eSports market in Malaysia

Millions of Malaysians enjoy playing games every day, but the gaming industry has grown a lot, and many professional players are part of it. Once considered a time-wasting hobby, gaming has become a profitable full-time job for quite a few players in Malaysia. We can see the number of pro gamers growing continuously, and eSports expansion has exploded over the past few years.

This industry is among the rare ones that thrived in these challenging times. Along with the global gaming market that was worth more than $200 billion in 2021, the Malaysian gaming industry is the third largest in Southeast Asia. Its estimated value could reach $1 billion soon, and it’s just a matter of time, according to the projected growth trends.

Besides the growing number of professional players, the Malaysian gaming market has welcomed many worldwide-known companies. The most reputable gaming studios have chosen Malaysia to start their businesses. For example, Sony Interactive Studios and Bandai Namco operate in Malaysia, besides numerous gaming software development studios that create quality and unique games.

The government support to the industry

The gaming industry’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Malaysian authorities. Since this sector has a lot of potential, the authorities decided to invest and capitalize on it. Thanks to the government’s help, the Malaysian gaming industry has become one of the most reputable in the world. It has already established a firm position in Southeast Asia, especially after hosting LEVEL UP KL since 2015.

It is an annual Southeast Asia games industry that gathers local and international companies and players. This event represents a great opportunity for all participants to share their experiences and knowledge and boost the industry’s growth.

The government also established eSports Malaysia, a governing body that regulates the gaming industry in this Southeast Asian country. Such a body is needed for the proper development, monitoring, and regulation of the sector. It is a firm foundation for further gaming industry expansion while bringing benefits to the domestic economy.

Tournaments and eSports facilities

Besides regulating the industry, the government also invested a lot in gaming facilities. It shows the intention of authorities to boost the industry’s growth and position it firmly on the global gaming scene. Therefore, Malaysia opened eSports City – one of Southeast Asia’s biggest eSports centers. This venue is located in Kuala Lumpur, and it is one of the flagships of the Malaysian gaming industry.

This 65,000-square-foot venue meets all eSports players’, fans’, and companies’ needs. It facilitates a 1,000-seat arena, a standalone casting area, recording studios, a production area, and streaming rooms. Therefore, it can support the organization of the world’s most popular eSports tournaments.

Consequently, it can attract more investors and sponsors, motivate players to master their skills and bring more gaming fans to the country. Also, it leads to a bigger viewership, which means more commercial opportunities and revenue.

Conclusion

Considering all facts, a bright future is ahead of the Malaysian gaming industry. It can continue to grow thanks to being set up on a healthy foundation. The industry is regulated, gaming is popular among players, and the number of professional gamers is increasing. International companies entered the market, including reputable gaming studios.

On top of that, the government helps with organizing gaming events and building facilities. That’s why the gaming industry in Malaysia is so popular, and it has become recognizable not only in Southeast Asia but globally.